Outpatient Board of Managers Meetings

Today we celebrate our Forensic Nurses

Today—November 13—is Forensic Nurses Day. Help us celebrate the contributions of Noella (left) and Courtney (right)! Please wear lilac on Friday, November 13 to help us promote and celebrate the critical work of Forensic Nurses at GRMC and throughout the community.

Noella is the only SANE/Forensic Nurse in the hospital. Courtney is in training to become a SANE nurse as well and is almost done with her training.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of the patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse.

SANE/Forensic Nurses are the first responders to victims once they enter the healthcare setting. Forensic Nurses care for victims of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Forensic Nurses provide nursing care, collect evidence and provide consultation in a variety of areas including sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, death investigations, elder mistreatment, corrections, emergency services, mental health, and public health.

“Forensic Nursing is important because victims of violence and abuse require care from a healthcare professional who is trained to treat trauma associated with the wrong that has been done to them whether it be sexual, physical or neglect,” says Noella. “Forensic Nurses are a critical resource for antiviolence efforts. They can also give testimony that can be used in a court of law to apprehend or prosecute perpetrators who commit violent and abusive acts.”